3-run blast by Ortiz gives Red Sox win over Rangers

The Red Sox DH had faced Texas reliever Neal Cotts five times in his career and had only five whiffs to show for it. On the sixth try, he made Cotts pay.

By Jimmy GolenAssociated Press

BOSTON — David Ortiz crushed a three-run homer high over the Pesky Pole in the eighth inning, helping the Boston Red Sox rally for a 4-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.

Ortiz's second homer was heading down the right-field line before it curled around the pole just 302 feet from home plate. Ortiz remained in the batter's box until first-base umpire Jerry Meals signaled a home run.

Rangers manager Ron Washington came out after Ortiz crossed the plate to ask for a review. After 44 seconds, the play was upheld.

Andrew Miller (1-0) earned the victory despite allowing the Rangers to score the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth. Koji Uehara pitched the ninth for his second save. Alexi Ogando (0-1) allowed two runs in the loss.

The Red Sox scored in the third inning on two walks and a swinging bunt single that was thrown away for an error by pitcher Robbie Ross. The Rangers tied it in the seventh on Mitch Moreland's homer and took a 2-1 lead in the eighth when Elvis Andrus scored on Alex Rios' sacrifice fly.

But Ogando walked Jackie Bradley Jr. to lead off the bottom half, and then A.J. Pierzynski blooped a popup down the right-field line that fell in for a single. One out later, Ortiz lined a 1-1 pitch from Neal Cotts down the line and into the seats that jut out from the pole to the right-field corner.

Because the ball sailed much higher than the pole that determines fair from foul, it was not clear — even to Ortiz — whether the homer would count. Meals signaled fair, and the Rangers immediately looked to the dugout to see if Washington would appeal.

After a brief chat with home plate umpire Jordan Baker, the crew went to the visitors' dugout and returned a short time later to confirm the original ruling.

Boston starter Jake Peavy earned another no-decision, leaving in the seventh inning of a 1-1 game. Miller pitched one inning for the win.

Ogando struck out four but was charged with two runs on one hit and a walk in two innings.

NOTES: The Red Sox activated LHP Craig Breslow and optioned RHP Brandon Workman to Triple-A Pawtucket. ... Peavy left his only other start this season with the score 2-2 after 6. ... Andrus has hit safely in all nine games this season. Rios had hit safely in the first eight before going 0 for 2 with a walk on Wednesday. ... Adrian Beltre, who left Tuesday night's game with tightness in his left quadriceps, returned to Texas on Wednesday for further tests.